Control apparatus, control method, and storage medium

ABSTRACT

An image printing apparatus, which displays a two-dimensional code, includes: a display device; a two-dimensional code key configured to receive an operation from a user; and an LED equipped separately from the display device and configured to provide a predetermined notification separately from a screen displayed by the display device. A CPU is configured to control the display device to display a predetermined screen and the LED is configured to provide the predetermined notification based on a case where a predetermined condition for changing a screen displayed by the display unit is satisfied, and the CPU is configured to control the display unit to display the predetermined code in a case where the operation is received by the two-dimensional code key from the user while the predetermined screen is being displayed by the display device and the predetermined notification is being provided by the LED.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/893,843filed Jun. 5, 2020, currently pending; and claims priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to Japan Application No. 2019-121765 filed in Japan on Jun.28, 2019; and the contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to a technology for controlling anotification unit according to contents displayed on a display device.

Description of the Related Art

In general, it is often the case that a display device mounted on aprinter is small in size and has a limited expression capability. Forthis reason, in a case where an unclear point arises for a user, theuser refers to a manual in a paper or electronic medium, so as to dealwith the unclear point.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-99800 (hereinafter referred to asLiterature 1) discloses a technology for displaying a two-dimensionalcode indicating a URL for an explanation page of a manual, whichcorresponds to the contents of a command being displayed on anelectronic apparatus, on a display device of the electronic apparatus inresponse to pressing of a QR key of the electronic apparatus. It isdisclosed that, in a case where the two-dimensional code is read by amobile terminal with a camera, the explanation page of the manual storedat the linked destination of the URL is displayed on a browser of themobile terminal.

However, regarding such a technology related to displaying of a code asdisclosed in Literature 1, the degree of necessity of displaying thecode varies depending on various conditions such as the state of theapparatus. It is possible that the user does not notice displaying ofthe code in such a case where the necessity for displaying the code ishigh, and it is also possible that the user performs an operation fordisplaying the code in such a case where the necessity for displayingthe code is low.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The control apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is a control apparatus that displays a predetermined code,the control apparatus including: a display unit; a reception unitconfigured to receive an operation from a user; a notification unitequipped separately from the display unit and configured to provide apredetermined notification separately from a screen displayed by thedisplay unit; and a control unit configured to control the display unitto display the predetermined screen or the predetermined code, wherein,based on a case where a predetermined condition for changing a screendisplayed by the display unit is satisfied, the control unit isconfigured to control the display unit to display a predetermined screenand the notification unit is configured to provide the predeterminednotification, and wherein, in a case where the operation is received bythe reception unit from the user while the predetermined screen is beingdisplayed by the display unit and the predetermined notification isbeing provided by the notification unit, the control unit is configuredto control the display unit to display the predetermined code.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system and aschematic configuration of the outer appearance thereof;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the outer appearance of an operationpanel;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controlsystem of an image printing apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are totally a flowchart illustrating two-dimensionalcode generation control processing;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-dimensional codecorrespondence table;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of a two-dimensional codegeneration process;

FIGS. 7A through 7C are diagrams for explaining operation example 1;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining operation example 2;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining operation example 3;

FIGS. 10A through 10C are diagrams for explaining operation example 4;

FIGS. 11A through 11C are diagrams for explaining operation example 5;and

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing forchecking whether there is a linked destination for a manual.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an explanation is given of embodiments according to thepresent disclosure with reference to the drawings. It is not intendedthat the embodiments below limit the present disclosure, and all of thecombinations of the characteristics explained in the present embodimentsare not necessarily essential. The same reference sign is assigned forexplanations of the same configuration.

First Embodiment

In the present embodiment, an explanation is given of the example inwhich, in a case where a manual corresponding to the screen beingdisplayed on a display unit of an image printing apparatus is present,the user is notified of the presence of the manual by use of anotification unit (for example, an LED). As described above, in thepresent embodiment, the notification unit is equipped separately fromthe display unit, so that a notification is provided by the notificationunit separately from display of a screen by the display unit. The userrecognizes an event (for example, the presence of a manual page)indicated by notification by the notification unit (for example, LEDbeing turned on). Then, upon checking the LED being turned on, the userperforms a predetermined operation to the image printing apparatus in acase where the user desires to check the manual for the screen beingdisplayed on the display unit. Upon receiving the predeterminedoperation, the image printing apparatus displays a two-dimensional codeindicating the location of the manual page on the display unit. The usercan check the corresponding manual on a mobile terminal by reading thetwo-dimensional code being displayed on the display unit with the cameraof the mobile terminal.

<System Configuration>

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an informationprocessing system according to the present embodiment and a schematicconfiguration of the outer appearance thereof. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present embodimentincludes an image printing apparatus 101, a mobile terminal 105, and amanual server 106. In the explanation of the present embodiment, it isassumed that the image printing apparatus 101 is a multi-functionprinter (MFP). However, it is also possible that the image printingapparatus 101 is a single function printer (SFP). The image printingapparatus 101 includes an operation panel 102, a feeding unit 103, and adischarge tray 104. The sheets that are set in the feeding unit 103 areconveyed one by one to a printer (not illustrated in FIG. 1 ), so thatprinting is performed on a sheet and the sheet is discharged from thedischarge tray 104. The operation panel 102 is a reception unit (inputunit) that receives input of a setting value or an instruction forexecution of processing from the user. The operation panel 102 isequipped on the outer surface of the image printing apparatus 101.

In FIG. 1 , the example in which a two-dimensional code displayed on theoperation panel 102 of the image printing apparatus 101 is read by themobile terminal 105 such as a smartphone or a tablet is illustrated. Inthis example, a two-dimensional code indicates a URL corresponding to apredetermined address of the manual server 106. A browser of the mobileterminal 105 accesses the address corresponding to the read URL, so thatthe manual page of the manual server 106 is displayed on the screen ofthe mobile terminal 105.

<Explanation of the Operation Panel>

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the outer appearance of the operationpanel 102, which is an operation unit. As illustrated in FIG. 2 , theoperation panel 102 includes a display device 201, up/down keys 204, anOK key 202, a return key 203, a two-dimensional code key 205, and an LED206 (notification unit).

The up/down keys 204, the OK key 202, the return key 203, and thetwo-dimensional code key 205 are included in the hard key group 319 (seeFIG. 3 ) to be described later. The display device 201 is a liquidcrystal display device or an organic EL display device, for example. Thedisplay device 201 in the present embodiment is smaller than the displayscreen of the mobile terminal 105, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 .Therefore, the information amount that can be displayed by the displaydevice 201 is less than the mobile terminal 105. The up/down keys 204,the OK key 202, and the return key 203 are keys (buttons) used forselecting a function, for setting, or the like.

The two-dimensional code key 205 is a key used for receiving aninstruction for generating a two-dimensional code from the user. A QRcode (registered trademark) is an example of the two-dimensional code.In FIG. 2 , “QR” is written on the two-dimensional code key 205 as anotation indicative of a two-dimensional code. In the example of FIG. 2, in a case where the two-dimensional code key 205 is pressed, atwo-dimensional code corresponding to the contents being displayed onthe display device 201 at that moment is generated. The generatedtwo-dimensional code is displayed on the display device 201. The code inthe present embodiment is not limited to a two-dimensional code, and itis also possible that the code is a barcode, or the like. Furthermore,depending on the contents being displayed on the display device 201, apredetermined message may be displayed instead of a two-dimensionalcode. Details of these will be described later.

The LED 206 is a notification unit that indicates whether thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is effective. In the present embodiment,the LED 206 is turned on in a case where the two-dimensional code key205 is effective and is turned off in a case where the two-dimensionalcode key 205 is ineffective. By the two-dimensional code key 205 beingeffective, it means that, in a case where the two-dimensional code key205 is pressed, it is possible to display the correspondingtwo-dimensional code. In a case where the two-dimensional code key 205is pressed while the LED 206 is on, the two-dimensional codecorresponding to the contents being displayed on the display device 201at that moment is generated.

<Functional Configuration of the Image Printing Apparatus>

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the controlsystem of the image printing apparatus 101 according to the presentembodiment. The image printing apparatus 101 includes a CPU 301, a ROM302, a RAM 303, a printing unit 304, a scanning unit 305, an interface306, and an operation panel 102.

The CPU 301 entirely controls the image printing apparatus 101 via asystem bus. The ROM 302 stores program codes of the main body, initialvalue data, and various kinds of tables. The RAM 303 is an image bufferthat temporarily saves image data read by the scanning unit 305 andprint image data sent via the interface 306.

The printing unit 304 includes a printing engine of an inkjet system,and the printing unit 304 prints an image saved in the RAM 303 on aprint sheet. The scanning unit 305 performs photo-electric conversionfor converting an optically-read image into electrical image signals byuse of a contact image sensor. The interface 306 performs wireless orwired network communication, and the interface 306 is used fortransmission and reception of information or a command to and from anexternal device.

The operation panel 102 includes the display device 201, the hard keygroup 319, and the LED 206. The display device 201 displays a state ofthe image printing apparatus 101, various kinds of menu screens, mainbody information of the image printing apparatus 101, or the like.Furthermore, the display device 201 displays a two-dimensional code. TheCPU 301 controls the operation panel 102 equipped on the outer surfaceof the image printing apparatus 101. The CPU 301 is capable ofdisplaying desired information on the display device 201 arranged on theoperation panel 102 and is capable of monitoring operations performed bythe user to the hard key group 319 on the operation panel 102.

In the ROM 302 of the present embodiment, a “program for controllinggeneration of a two-dimensional code”, a “two-dimensional codecorrespondence table”, and “product information” are stored in additionto the various kinds of data described above.

The “program for controlling generation of a two-dimensional code” is aprogram for making the CPU 301 to execute the two-dimensional codegeneration control processing (see FIGS. 4A and 4B) to be describedlater. The “two-dimensional code correspondence table” (see FIG. 5 ) isinformation to be referred to in a process of turning the LED 206 on.Furthermore, the “two-dimensional code correspondence table” isinformation to be referred to in a two-dimensional code generationprocess as well.

The “two-dimensional code correspondence table” stores a “category” forindicating a URL of a linked destination corresponding to a screen IDfor identifying the display screen being displayed on the displaydevice. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code correspondence tablestores an “error code”. A “category” included in the two-dimensionalcode correspondence table indicates the name of an operation explanationpage in the manual at a linked destination. An “error code” included inthe two-dimensional code correspondence table indicates the error numberon an error handling method explanation page in the manual at a linkeddestination. Details of the contents of the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 .

The “product information” is information including a “product code” anda “product destination”. The product information is utilized as aconstituent element of a URL indicating a linked destination in a caseof generating a two-dimensional code. A “product code” is a number forspecifying the model of the image printing apparatus 101. A “productdestination” is a number for specifying the region to which the productis shipped.

<Processing by the Image Printing Apparatus>

Although the image printing apparatus 101 performs various kinds ofprocessing, the following explanation is mainly given of thetwo-dimensional code generation control processing. The two-dimensionalcode generation control processing includes control processing forturning the LED 206 on and off, processing in response to pressing ofthe two-dimensional code key 205, and URL generation processing.

<Control Processing for Turning the LED on and Off and Processing inResponse to Pressing of the Two-Dimensional Code Key>

FIGS. 4A and 4B are totally a flowchart illustrating the two-dimensionalcode generation control processing in the present embodiment. In FIGS.4A and 4B, the control processing for turning the LED 206 on and off andthe processing in response to pressing of the two-dimensional code key205 are included. The series of processes illustrated in the flowchartof FIGS. 4A and 4B is performed by the CPU 301 retrieving a program codestored in the ROM 302 into the RAM 303 and executing the program code.Alternatively, a part or all of the functions in the steps of FIGS. 4Aand 4B may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electroniccircuit. The symbol “S” in the explanation of each process means that itis a step of the flowchart.

In S401, the power supply of the image printing apparatus 101 is turnedon, so that the processing starts. The CPU 301 of the image printingapparatus 101 repeats the processes from S402 in a case where the powersupply is on.

In S402, the CPU 301 displays a predetermined screen on the displaydevice 201 in response to an operation by the user through the operationpanel 102. In the explanation of the present example, a screen isdisplayed on the display device 201 in response to an operation by theuser through the operation panel 102. However, it is also possible thata screen is displayed on the display device 201 in response to receptionof a print job from an external host apparatus (not illustrated in thedrawings), or the like.

In S403, the CPU 301 refers to the two-dimensional code correspondencetable as illustrated in FIG. 5 , so as to determine whether there is alinked destination for a manual corresponding to the screen beingdisplayed on the display device 201. In a case where there is a linkeddestination for a manual, the processing proceeds to S404, and,otherwise, the processing proceeds to S405.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table 500. In the present embodiment, a screen ID foridentifying a screen is assigned for each screen to be displayed on thedisplay device 201. In the two-dimensional code correspondence table500, a screen ID, an error code, and a category are stored inassociation with each other. The category included in thetwo-dimensional code correspondence table 500 indicates the name of anoperation explanation page in the manual at the linked destination. InFIG. 5 , a screen ID for which a corresponding category is not present(ID 1000) does not have a corresponding manual page (linkeddestination). Contrarily, a screen ID for which a corresponding categoryis present has a corresponding manual page. In that category, acharacter string corresponding to the manual page in the manual server106 is described.

In S403, the CPU 301 refers to the two-dimensional code correspondencetable 500, so that, in a case where a category corresponding to thescreen ID is present, the CPU 301 determines that a linked destinationfor a manual is present. The categories in the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table 500 include a category of “ERR”, which isindicative of an error. In a case where the category is “ERR”, an “errorcode” is stored in association with the category. An “error code” is anerror number corresponding to an error handling method explanation pagein the manual at the linked destination.

Returning to FIG. 4A, the explanation is continued below. In a casewhere there is a linked destination for a manual, the CPU 301 turns onthe LED 206 (also referred to as a two-dimensional code lamp) in S404.On the other hand, in a case where there is not a linked destination fora manual, the CPU 301 turns off the LED 206 in S405. In a case where theLED 206 has already been turned on in S404, the CPU 301 does not have toperform the turn-on control in S404. Similarly, in a case where the LED206 has already been turned off in S405, the CPU 301 does not have toperform the turn-off control in S405. Upon completion of S404, theprocessing proceeds to S406. Upon completion of S405, the processingproceeds to S409.

After turning on the LED 206 in S404, the CPU 301 determines in S406whether the automatic guide display flag, which is stored in the ROM302, is on. The automatic guide display flag is a flag indicatingwhether a guide screen is to be automatically displayed, and the initialvalue thereof is set to on. In a case where the automatic guide displayflag is on, the processing proceeds to S407, so that the CPU 301displays the guide screen. The guide screen is a screen for explainingan operation guide of the LED 206 and the two-dimensional code key 205.For example, the guide screen is a screen including such explanation as“If the two-dimensional code key 205 is pressed while the LED 206 is on,a two-dimensional code for displaying a manual will be displayed.” (seeFIG. 9B). Details of the guide screen will be described later. After theguide screen is displayed in S407, the CPU 301 sets the automatic guidedisplay flag to off in S408. Then, the processing proceeds to S409. Onthe other hand, in a case where it is determined in S406 that theautomatic guide display flag is not on, the processing proceeds to S409.

As described above, the initial value of the automatic guide displayflag is set to on. For example, in a case where the LED 206 is turned onfor the first time after the user purchases the image printing apparatus101, the guide screen is displayed. Accordingly, it is possible topresent the user with a functional explanation and an operationalexplanation of the two-dimensional code key 205 and the LED 206 in acase where the user operates the image printing apparatus 101 for thefirst time. However, it is bothersome that the guide screen is displayedevery time, and the operability for the user is deteriorated. By turningoff the automatic guide display flag after the first time the guidescreen is displayed, the operability for the user can be improved.

In S409, the CPU 301 determines whether the two-dimensional code key 205is pressed. In a case where the two-dimensional code key 205 is pressed,the processing proceeds to S410. Otherwise, the processing proceeds toS414. In S410, the CPU 301 determines whether the LED 206(two-dimensional code lamp) is on. In a case where the LED 206 is on,the processing proceeds to S411, and, in a case where the LED 206 is noton, the processing proceeds to S413.

In a case where the LED 206 is on, the CPU 301 performs atwo-dimensional code generation process in S411. The two-dimensionalcode to be generated is a code representing a URL for accessing themanual page corresponding to the screen being displayed on the displaydevice 201. Details of the two-dimensional code generation process willbe described later. Thereafter, in S412, the CPU 301 displays thegenerated two-dimensional code on the display device 201. Then, theprocessing proceeds to S414. The user will browse the manual pagecorresponding to the URL indicated by the two-dimensional code by use ofthe mobile terminal 105.

On the other hand, if the two-dimensional code lamp (LED 206) is not onin the case where the two-dimensional code key 205 is pressed in S409,the processing proceeds to S413, so that, in S413, the CPU 301 displaysthe same guide screen as in S407. Although it is predictable that theuser understands the functional explanation and operational explanationof the LED 206 and the two-dimensional code key 205, it is possible thatthe user has forgotten the explanations. That is, even though the userpresses the two-dimensional code key 205 in the case where the LED 206is not on, a two-dimensional code is not displayed on the display device201 since a corresponding manual page is not present. For notifying theuser of such an operational explanation again as a reminder, the guidescreen is displayed on the display device 201 in S413. Thereafter, theprocessing proceeds to S414.

In S414, the CPU 301 determines whether to perform a screen transition.In a case where the screen transition is performed, the processingreturns to S402, and, in a case where the screen transition is notperformed, the processing proceeds to S415. For example, after thetwo-dimensional code is displayed in S412, in a case where the useroperates the hard key group 319 after checking the manual page, thescreen will transition from the screen displaying the two-dimensionalcode to the screen displayed prior to the two-dimensional code. In acase where the user operates the hard key group 319 in the state wherethe guide screen is displayed in S413, the screen will transition to thescreen displayed prior to the guide screen. Furthermore, although it ispossible that the screen transition is performed in response to anoperation through the hard key group 319, it is also possible that apredetermined event, or the like, is a trigger for the screentransition. In a case where the power supply is not turned off in S415,the CPU 301 returns to S409, so as to repeat the processing. In a casewhere the power supply is turned off, the processing of the presentflowchart will end.

The above is the explanation of the two-dimensional code generationcontrol processing. As for the process of S410, although an explanationhas been given of the example in which the CPU 301 determines whetherthe LED 206 is on, it is also possible that the CPU 301 refers to thetwo-dimensional code correspondence table 500 so as to determine whetherthere is a linked destination for a manual.

As described above, it is possible that the display device 201appropriately switches multiple screens to be displayed as apredetermined screen for which a manual is present. Furthermore, in acase where the two-dimensional code key 205 receives an operation fromthe user, the CPU 301 displays the code corresponding to the screenbeing displayed on the display device 201 out of the two-dimensionalcodes corresponding respectively to the multiple screens.

<Two-Dimensional Code Generation Process>

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating details of the two-dimensional codegeneration process in S411 of FIG. 4B. In S601, the CPU 301 obtains thecategory corresponding to the screen ID of the screen being displayed onthe display device 201 from the two-dimensional code correspondencetable 500 as illustrated in FIG. 5 . In S602, the CPU 301 refers to theproduct information stored in the ROM 302 and obtains productdestination information. In S603, the CPU 301 refers to the productinformation stored in the ROM 302 and obtains a product code.

In S604, the CPU 301 determines whether the category obtained in S601 isERR, which is indicative of an error. In a case where the category isindicative of an error, the processing proceeds to S605, so that the CPU301 obtains the corresponding error code from the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table 500. The error code is used as a parameter for themanual server 106 to search for the page corresponding to the error.Thereafter, the processing proceeds to S606. In a case where thecategory is not ERR which is indicative of an error in S604, the processof S605 is skipped.

In S606, the CPU 301 links the obtained product destination information,product code, category, and error code (only in a case where thecategory is ERR) to the base URL, which indicates the manual server 106,so as to generate a URL. In S607, the CPU 301 generates atwo-dimensional code by converting the URL generated in S606 into thetwo-dimensional code.

Specific Operation Example 1

Next, explanations are given of specific operation examples withreference to the drawings. Operation example 1 is an example in which ascreen for which the two-dimensional code key 205 is effective isdisplayed on the display device 201. Specifically, operation example 1is an example of a scene in which the user attempts to carry outmaintenance of the image printing apparatus 101.

FIGS. 7A through 7C are diagrams for explaining operation example 1. Ina case where the user presses a button in the hard key group 319 tocarry out maintenance of the image printing apparatus 101, such amaintenance menu screen as illustrated in FIG. 7A is displayed on thedisplay device 201. It is assumed that the screen ID of the screenillustrated in FIG. 7A is “ID 1002”. In the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table 500 of FIG. 5 , the category corresponding to thescreen ID “ID 1002” is “MAINTE”. That is, in the present example, acategory corresponding to the screen ID of the screen being displayed onthe display device 201 is present. Therefore, the LED 206 is turned onimmediately after the screen of FIG. 7A is displayed on the displaydevice 201. The timing of turning on the LED 206 may not be immediatelyafter a predetermined screen is displayed. That is, the timing ofturning on the LED 206 may be at the same time of displaying apredetermined screen or may be immediately before switching to apredetermined screen.

The user checks the turned-on state of the LED 206 and presses thetwo-dimensional code key 205. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 7B, thedisplay device 201 displays a two-dimensional code including a URL for amaintenance function explanation page in the manual server 106, whichcorresponds to the product code and the language of the productdestination.

After the two-dimensional code illustrated in FIG. 7B is displayed onthe display device 201, the user captures the two-dimensional code withthe camera of the mobile terminal 105 to read the two-dimensional code.Then, in a case where the browser of the mobile terminal 105 accessesthe manual server 106, which is indicated by the URL represented by thetwo-dimensional code, such an explanation page of the manual isdisplayed on the screen of the mobile terminal 105 as illustrated inFIG. 7C. The explanation page illustrated in FIG. 7C corresponds to theexplanation page for the menu screen of the maintenance functionillustrated in FIG. 7A.

In this way, by checking the turn-on state of the LED 206, it ispossible for the user to determine whether the screen currentlydisplayed on the display device 201 corresponds to the two-dimensionalcode key 205. Furthermore, by capturing a two-dimensional code, which isdisplayed in response to pressing of the two-dimensional code key 205,with the camera of the mobile terminal 105, it is possible for the userto browse an explanation page of the manual corresponding to the displayscreen.

Specific Operation Example 2

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining operation example 2.Operation example 2 is an example of a scene in which thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is pressed in a case where thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is not effective. In FIG. 8A, a screenindicating product information is displayed on the display device 201.In the two-dimensional code correspondence table 500, a categorycorresponding to the screen ID of the screen illustrated in FIG. 8A isnot present. Therefore, while the screen of FIG. 8A is displayed on thedisplay device 201, the LED 206 is not on. In a case where the userpresses the two-dimensional code key 205 in this state, such a guidescreen as illustrated in FIG. 8B is displayed on the display device 201.In FIG. 8B, the contents of the display device 201 being entirelyscrolled are illustrated for convenience of explanation. On the displaydevice 201 of FIG. 8B, a message with such contents indicating that atwo-dimensional code for displaying a manual will be displayed in a casewhere the two-dimensional code key 205 is pressed while the LED 206 ison.

In this way, since the guide screen is displayed, it is possible for theuser to check the roles of the LED 206 and the two-dimensional code key205. On the guide screen illustrated in FIG. 8B, an example of a messagefor such a configuration in which the LED 206 is arranged on thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is illustrated. In a case where thetwo-dimensional code key 205 and the LED 206 are arranged apart fromeach other, it is possible to display a guide screen illustrating thepositional relationship between the two-dimensional code key 205 and theLED 206 and the roles thereof.

Specific Operation Example 3

FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams for explaining operation example 3.Operation example 3 is an example of a scene in which a guide screen isautomatically displayed. Users who purchase the image printing apparatus101 for the first time do not know what function the LED 206 has.Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 9A, in a case where the LED 206 isturned on for the first time, such a guide screen as illustrated in FIG.9B is automatically displayed in an interrupting manner on the displaydevice 201 without any operation by the user. In a case where any key inthe hard key group 319 is pressed by the user, the screen returns to theoriginal screen. An indication as such is included in the text on theguide display screen illustrated in FIG. 9B as well. By automaticallydisplaying the guide screen in a case where the LED 206 is turned on forthe first time, it is possible for the user to know the functions of thetwo-dimensional code key 205 and the LED 206 without reading the manual.

In the explanations of the above examples, the LED 206 is turned on in acase where a page corresponding to the screen being displayed on thedisplay device 201 is present, and otherwise the LED 206 is turned off.However, the reverse is also possible. That is, it is possible that theLED 206 is turned off in a case where a page corresponding to the screenbeing displayed on the display device 201 is present, and otherwise theLED 206 is turned on. There may also be such a form in which thelighting color is changed. Furthermore, the control is not limited toturning on and off the LED 206, and any of blinking, turning on, andturning off of the LED 206 may be used. Moreover, although the LED 206is taken as an example for the explanation, other members may be used asan example of the indicator light. Additionally, another notificationunit (indicator) other than the LED 206 may be used as long as it ispossible to notify the user that the two-dimensional code key 205 iseffective.

Specific Operation Example 4

FIGS. 10A through 10C are diagrams illustrating operation example 4.Operation example 4 is an example in which the user is informed that thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is effective by use of a buzzer(notification sound output device) equipped other than the display unitas a notification unit, instead of the LED 206. In a case where thebuzzer is used, it is possible that the LED 206 is not arranged on theoperation panel 102. Further, it is also possible that the LED 206 isarranged on the operation panel 102 and the turn-on control of the LED206 is performed together with the control of an output sound of thebuzzer. The buzzer sound may be output for a predetermined time period.In a case where the user presses the two-dimensional code key 205 afteroutputting the buzzer sound, the two-dimensional code is displayed onthe display device 201.

Specific Operation Example 5

FIGS. 11A through 11C are diagrams illustrating operation example 5.Operation example 5 is an example in which a pop-up screen is displayedas a notification unit on the display device 201, instead of the LED206. That is, in this case, the display unit and the notification unitare integrally equipped. In the present example, as illustrated in FIG.11A, after a predetermined time period (two seconds in the presentexample) has elapsed upon transition to a screen for which thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is effective, such a pop-up message 1101 isdisplayed as illustrated in FIG. 11B. The pop-up message 1101 (pop-upscreen) pops up from the bottom of the screen being displayed on thedisplay device 201. In this pop-up message 1101, the function of thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is explained in such a manner as “You canrefer to the manual by pressing the two-dimensional code key.”.Accordingly, it is possible for the user to recognize that thetwo-dimensional code key is effective. Thereafter, in a case where theuser presses the two-dimensional code key 205, a two-dimensional code isdisplayed on the display device 201 as illustrated in FIG. 11C. In acase where the two-dimensional code is read by the camera of the mobileterminal 105, a predetermined manual page is displayed on the mobileterminal 105. It is also possible that the display device 201 is a touchpanel display device and that the two-dimensional code is displayed in acase where the pop-up message 1101 is pressed.

As explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is possiblefor the user to determine whether the two-dimensional code key 205 iseffective according to notification (for example, the turned-on state ofthe LED) by the notification unit without actually pressing thetwo-dimensional code key 205. Therefore, for example, it is possible toprevent the user from pressing the two-dimensional code key 205 in acase where a corresponding explanation page of a manual is not present,that is, in a case where the two-dimensional code key 205 is noteffective. Furthermore, it is possible to make a user who operates theproduct for the first time or a user who is not used to use the productto understand specifications of the product such as, for example, thetwo-dimensional code key 205 is effective in a case where the LED 206 ison. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it ispossible to appropriately prompt the user to perform an operation fordisplaying a code.

In a case where a two-dimensional code being displayed on the displaydevice 201 is read by the mobile terminal 105 and a manual page isdisplayed on the browser of the mobile terminal 105, it is possible forthe user to print the contents of the manual page with the imageprinting apparatus 101.

Furthermore, although the process of generating a two-dimensional codehas been explained in S411 (corresponding to FIG. 6 ) of FIG. 4B, thepresent embodiment is not limited as such, and it is also possible thatimage data of a two-dimensional code that is preliminarily stored in theROM 302, or the like, is read out in S411. In this case, for example, a“screen ID” as illustrated in FIG. 5 is stored in the ROM 302, or thelike, in association with a file path of the image of thetwo-dimensional code. Then, the image of the two-dimensional code isread out through the file path corresponding to the screen ID of thescreen being displayed, so as to be displayed in S412.

Second Embodiment

In the first embodiment, the example in which the two-dimensional codecorrespondence table 500 is stored in the ROM 302 of the image printingapparatus 101 has been explained. In this case, for example, if a URLfor a linked destination of a manual is changed after the image printingapparatus 101 is sold, the two-dimensional code correspondence table 500stored in the ROM 302 of the image printing apparatus 101 needs to berewritten. In the present embodiment, an explanation is given of theexample in which a redirection server is separately provided in additionto the manual server 106. Furthermore, the example in which informationof a URL for a linked destination of the manual server 106 is stored inthe redirection server will be explained.

<Process of Checking a Linked Destination URL for a Manual>

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processingperformed in the process of checking whether there is a linkeddestination for a manual in S403 of FIG. 4A in the present embodiment.In the present embodiment, the image printing apparatus 101, the manualserver 106, and the redirection server 120 are mutually connected via anetwork. The image printing apparatus 101 is only required to be capableof communicating with the redirection server 120, and the redirectionserver 120 is only required to be capable of communicating with theimage printing apparatus 101 and the manual server 106. That is, theimage printing apparatus 101 may not be capable of communicating withthe manual server 106. The series of processes in the present embodimentis basically the same as in the first embodiment, and explanations willbe given mainly of the different aspect. The different aspect from thefirst embodiment corresponds to the process of S403 in FIG. 4A.Furthermore, the image printing apparatus 101 of the present embodimentis not provided with the two-dimensional code correspondence table 500.Instead, the redirection server 120 is provided with information(hereinafter referred to as a management table) corresponding to thetwo-dimensional code correspondence table 500.

In S1201 of FIG. 12 , the image printing apparatus 101 performs a screentransition (corresponding to S402 of FIG. 4A) in response to receptionof an operation through a key from the user. After the screentransition, the image printing apparatus 101 sends the screen ID of thescreen being displayed on the display device 201 to the redirectionserver 120 in S1202.

Upon receiving the screen ID, the redirection server 120 refers to themanagement table, which is managed by the redirection server 120, inS1203, so as to search for a URL of the linked destination for themanual corresponding to the screen ID. The product code and productdestination information may be separately sent from the image printingapparatus 101 to the redirection server 120 or may be sent together withthe screen ID from the image printing apparatus 101. The redirectionserver 120 generates the URL of the linked destination, based on theinformation of the product code, product destination, and category.

In S1204, the redirection server 120 accesses the linked destinationindicated by the generated URL, so as to check whether the linkeddestination is accessible. In S1205, the redirection server 120 receivesa response result from the manual server 106, so as to determine whetherthe linked destination is accessible. In a case of being accessible, theredirection server 120 sends the generated URL to the image printingapparatus 101 in S1206. Accordingly, since it is possible for the imageprinting apparatus 101 to determine that there is a linked destinationfor a manual as a result of the process in S403, the LED 206(two-dimensional code lamp) is turned on in S1207 (corresponding to S404in FIG. 4A).

In S411 of FIG. 4B, a two-dimensional code including the URL received bythe image printing apparatus 101 in S1206 is generated. Specifically,the process in S607 of FIG. 6 is executed by use of the URL received inS1206.

Furthermore, in FIG. 12 , the processing in a case where there is alinked destination is illustrated. In a case where the redirectionserver 120 accesses the manual server 106 and no response is obtained,the redirection server 120 sends information indicative of inaccessibleto the image printing apparatus 101. In response, the image printingapparatus 101 determines that there is no manual of a linkeddestination, and the processing proceeds to S405 in FIG. 4A, so that theLED 206 is turned off.

In a case where the redirection server 120 cannot obtain a response fromthe manual server 106, it is assumed that the URL of a linkeddestination has been changed. Therefore, in a case where the redirectionserver 120 cannot obtain a response from the manual server 106, a systemadministrator, or the like, may separately update the management tablemanaged by the redirection server 120 so as to change the URL to anappropriate URL.

As explained above, according to the present embodiment, it is notnecessary to rewrite the ROM 302 of the image printing apparatus 101even in a case where a URL of an explanation page for a manual ischanged. Therefore, for example, even in a case where a manual is addedafter the image printing apparatus 101 is sold, it is possible toappropriately control the LED 206 to be turned on.

Other Embodiments

Although the example in which a two-dimensional code is used foraccessing a linked destination of the manual server 106 is explained ineach of the above-described embodiments, the present embodiments are notlimited as such. In a case where contents corresponding to the screenbeing displayed on the display device 201 are present in an externalserver, a two-dimensional code representing the URL for accessing thecontents may be used.

Although the example in which a two-dimensional code is displayed on thedisplay device 201 in a case where the two-dimensional code key 205 ispressed by the user is explained in each of the above-describedembodiments, the present embodiments are not limited as such in terms ofthe trigger for displaying the two-dimensional code. For example, it isalso possible that the image printing apparatus 101 includes an audioinput device, so that the two-dimensional code is displayed on thedisplay device 201 in a case where a predetermined audio operation isinput by the user to the audio input device while the LED 206 is on.Moreover, any reception unit may be used as long as the reception unitis capable of receiving input of a predetermined user operation.

Furthermore, although the image printing apparatus 101 is taken as anexample in the explanation of each of the above-described embodiments,the present embodiments are not limited as such. There may be such aform of using a control apparatus including a display unit in a smallsize or a control apparatus including a display unit whose displaycapability is limited.

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2019-121765, filed Jun. 28, 2019, which is hereby incorporated byreference wherein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unitconfigured to print an image on a sheet; a display device configured todisplay a screen; a light emitting unit for emitting light, wherein thelight emitting unit is provided on a surface of the printing apparatuson which the display device is provided and is arranged in a positiondifferent from a position of the display device; and at least oneprocessor operating to: cause the display device to display a firstscreen to specify a consumable being in an error state and cause thelight emitting unit to be in a first state; and cause the light emittingunit to be in a second state different from the first state in a casewhere the consumable is in a normal state, wherein the display devicedisplays a second screen including a predetermined code, unlike thefirst screen, based on reception of an instruction to display thepredetermined code from a user, and wherein the predetermined code is acode to cause an external terminal to display information for explaininga maintenance function of the printing apparatus by the predeterminedcode being captured by a camera of the external terminal.
 2. Theprinting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first screen is ascreen to notify a user that the consumable has run out.
 3. The printingapparatus according to claim 2, wherein the consumable is a sheet usedin the printing apparatus.
 4. The printing apparatus according to claim1, wherein the light emitting unit is an LED lamp.
 5. The printingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scanning unitconfigured to read an image of a document.
 6. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the display device displays a third screendifferent from the first and second screens in a case where theconsumable is in the normal state.
 7. The printing apparatus accordingto claim 6, wherein the display device displays a fourth screendifferent from the first, second, and third screens based on receptionof an instruction from the user in a case where the light emitting unitis in the second state.
 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the first state is a blinking state.
 9. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the second state is a turned-on state or aturned-off state.
 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein a distance between a left end and a right end of the lightemitting unit is longer than a distance between a top end and a lowerend of the light emitting unit.
 11. The printing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the printing unit prints an image on a sheet by usingan inkjet system.
 12. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,wherein a side of a top end of the display device is positioned above aside of the top end of the light emitting unit in a predeterminedsurface.
 13. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thepredetermined code is a QR code.
 14. The printing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the instruction from the user is issued via a receptionunit provided integrally with the light emitting unit.
 15. The printingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where the lightemitting unit is in the second state, the display device displays afourth screen different from the first, second, and third screens basedon reception of an instruction from a user.
 16. The printing apparatusaccording to claim 15, wherein the fourth screen is a screen whichnotifies a user to issue an instruction to a printing apparatus in astate where the light emitting unit is in the first state.
 17. Aprinting apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to print animage on a sheet; a display device configured to display a screen; alight emitting unit for emitting light, wherein the light emitting unitis provided on a surface of the printing apparatus on which the displaydevice is provided and is arranged in a position different from aposition of the display device; and at least one processor operating to:cause the display device to display a first screen to specify aconsumable being in an error state and cause the light emitting unit tobe in a first state; and cause the light emitting unit to be in a secondstate different from the first state in a case where the consumable isin a normal state, wherein the display device displays a second screenincluding a predetermined code, unlike the first screen, based onreception of an instruction to display the predetermined code from auser, and wherein the predetermined code is a code to cause an externalterminal to display information for explaining a method of adjusting aprint head of the printing apparatus by the predetermined code beingcaptured by a camera of the external terminal.
 18. A printing apparatuscomprising: a printing unit configured to print an image on a sheet; adisplay device configured to display a screen; a light emitting unit foremitting light, wherein the light emitting unit is provided on a surfaceof the printing apparatus on which the display device is provided and isarranged in a position different from a position of the display device;and at least one processor operating to: cause the display device todisplay a first screen to specify a consumable being in an error stateand cause the light emitting unit to be in a first state; and cause thelight emitting unit to be in a second state different from the firststate in a case where the consumable is in a normal state, wherein thedisplay device displays a second screen including a predetermined code,unlike the first screen, based on reception of an instruction to displaythe predetermined code from a user, and wherein the predetermined codeis a code to cause an external terminal to display explanatoryinformation for solving a printing trouble in the printing apparatus bythe predetermined code being captured by a camera of the externalterminal.